The Phillies Zone

CLEARWATER, Fla. — There are no participation awards for Grapefruit League play, especially not for an aging Phillies team that must maintain its health during a relentless 162-game schedule. But there was Ryan Howard, in the lineup Thursday for the sixth time in six days, and still hitting the ball.

And when Howard returned to the Phillies clubhouse after a 2 for 3 day that included an opposite-field blast off firethrowing Atlanta closer Craig Kimbrel, Howard saw his name on the travel list for Friday's game.

"I'm out here doing what I have to do," Howard said. "They put me in the lineup, and I go out there. That's it."

Howard is one of three Phillies who have appeared in every Grapefruit League game. The others are Domonic Brown, John Mayberry Jr.

Charlie Manuel has bristled each day when asked whether Howard will play the next. The manager wants Howard to make up for lost time. The first baseman agrees; he said he needs his "game legs" back.

"It's a lot different when you get a full offseason to train and build up the muscles," Howard said. "Obviously it's a lot stronger than where it was last year. The difference is it's a lot better."

Poll

Is Ryan Howard close to regaining his old power?

Yes. He is finally getting healthy.

Not yet. Opening day is still a month away.

His hitting, while done in early spring action, is better too. He is 4 for 6 against lefthanded pitching with two doubles. One came in the first inning Thursday against Paul Maholm.

In 2012, Howard had all of two doubles in 106 regular-season plate appearances vs. lefties.